:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

Meeting with Human Rights Activists in London University

On 9^th March 2004, Human Rights activist and MDP Councilor, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed (Anni), delivered a speech at London University. The Meeting was chaired by the University scholar Emily Shrosbree and attended by many student activist.

In Mr. Nasheed’s speech titled, “the other side of the post card”, he highlighted the Human Rights situation in the Maldives speaking of the recent torture and brutal murders as well as his own experiences. In 1990, after his second arrest, he was in solitary confinement for 18 months during which he was much ill-treated.

Alluding to other incidents of Human Rights abuse in the Maldives, Mr. Nasheed pondered on the question of why torture the apolitical. He stated that “there is a crude logic to torture and ill-treat those who challenge the regime, but the reasons behind torturing those arrested on petty crimes and substance abuse will elude any normal mind”.

According to Mr. Nasheed, torturing the apolitical is necessary if any dictator is hell bent on staying in power for as long as humanly possible. An atmosphere of fear and intimidation is the most required ingredient to regimentalise society and keep them under control.

Mr. Nasheed also expressed concern over the many political prisoners held in the Maldives jail. This include Ibrahim Fareed, Mohamed Zakee, Ahmed Didi, Naushad Waheed and Miss Fathimath Nisreen. In addition, a number of MDP members are in detention since February 13th, 2004, who are Capt. Abdulla Saeed, Ahmed Nazim, Aminath Najeed, Ahmed Falah and Ismail Zilah.

The speech was very well received. Most students showed a positive desire to engage in the campaign of bringing an end to the human rights abuses in the Maldives and will participate in future events organized. Mr. Nasheed will be traveling to Durham University on the 15^th of March 2004, where he will deliver a similar speech and hold discussions with human rights group.

Other universities have also invited Mr. Nasheed to participate in similar forums.

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